EP2471709B1 - Linear actuator and method of operation thereof - Google Patents
Linear actuator and method of operation thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2471709B1 EP2471709B1 EP11194921.0A EP11194921A EP2471709B1 EP 2471709 B1 EP2471709 B1 EP 2471709B1 EP 11194921 A EP11194921 A EP 11194921A EP 2471709 B1 EP2471709 B1 EP 2471709B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rotor
- lock
- output member
- linear actuator
- linear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 9
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 33
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
- F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
- F15B15/26—Locking mechanisms
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02K—JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02K1/00—Plants characterised by the form or arrangement of the jet pipe or nozzle; Jet pipes or nozzles peculiar thereto
- F02K1/54—Nozzles having means for reversing jet thrust
- F02K1/76—Control or regulation of thrust reversers
- F02K1/763—Control or regulation of thrust reversers with actuating systems or actuating devices; Arrangement of actuators for thrust reversers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02K—JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02K1/00—Plants characterised by the form or arrangement of the jet pipe or nozzle; Jet pipes or nozzles peculiar thereto
- F02K1/54—Nozzles having means for reversing jet thrust
- F02K1/76—Control or regulation of thrust reversers
- F02K1/766—Control or regulation of thrust reversers with blocking systems or locking devices; Arrangement of locking devices for thrust reversers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
- F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
- F15B15/26—Locking mechanisms
- F15B15/261—Locking mechanisms using positive interengagement, e.g. balls and grooves, for locking in the end positions
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
- F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
- F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
- F16H25/24—Elements essential to such mechanisms, e.g. screws, nuts
- F16H25/2454—Brakes; Rotational locks
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2260/00—Function
- F05D2260/50—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position
- F05D2260/57—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position using servos, independent actuators, etc.
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18056—Rotary to or from reciprocating or oscillating
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18568—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary
- Y10T74/18576—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary including screw and nut
- Y10T74/18704—Means to selectively lock or retard screw or nut
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to linear actuators. More particularly, aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to linear actuators that can be locked in position.
- Conventional linear actuators have output rams that may be driven from a rotary source or with pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.
- the actuator may have a lock mechanism to retain the output in a fixed position.
- Known lock mechanisms such as taught by Tootle in US 4,463,661 , engage an actuator synchronization system, and therefore provide only indirect locking to the output ram.
- Direct locking mechanisms that employ a linear actuator have been developed and typically include a multi-piece housing with increased size and mass.
- Such actuators include tine locks, an example of which is disclosed by Carlin in US 5,267,760 . While some tine lock arrangements may allow for a single-piece housing actuator, they have the disadvantage of using flexing lock element with consequential fatigue considerations.
- Locking Actuators can be operated by a rotary source rather than hydraulically or pneumatically.
- Present rotary source operated actuators such as disclosed by Grimm in US 4,603,594 , have the disadvantage of requiring an electrically operated solenoid mechanism (or other mechanical input separate from the rotary source) to unlock the actuator lock before motion of the ram can commence.
- Ball Lock mechanisms such as taught by Sue in US 4,703,683 , Deutch in US 4,240,332 , Della Rocca in US 4,742,758 and Hata in US 4,785,718 have the disadvantage of a low external load carrying capability of the ram because of the point contact stresses imposed on the lock balls.
- the exemplary embodiments overcome one or more of the above or other disadvantages known in the art.
- One aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a linear actuator according to claim 1 herein.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a linear actuator 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
- the actuator 100 has an outer housing 104 and an output ram 108 (also herein referred to as a "linear output member").
- Figure 2 illustrates the output ram 108, which is capable of axial motion (depicted by direction arrow X) into and out of the housing 104, such as from a retracted position as shown in Fig. 1 .
- the ram 108 may be attached to a door, panel, or engine thrust reverser, while the housing 104 is attached to a frame of a larger object, such as, but not limited to, an airplane.
- Movement of the ram 108 thereby determines position of the door, panel, or thrust reverser or other attaching surface.
- a rotary lock mechanism 112 includes axially fixed lock keys that are displaced radially by grooves in the lock rotor 116 to engage a radial groove in the output ram 108, thereby locking and preventing axial motion of the ram 108 from its retracted position.
- a Lock Ring 136 with internal grooves provides radial guidance for the lock keys.
- An unlocked position of the rotor allows the keys to disengage from the radial groove, while a locked position of the rotor engages and restrains the keys within the groove.
- Figs. 2 and 3 depict cross section views of the actuator 100 with the ram 108 retained within the housing 104 in a locked position via a rotary lock assembly 112.
- the rotary lock assembly 112 includes a rotor 116 and a lock key 120 (also herein referred to as a "lock").
- the ram 108 includes a radial groove 124, into which lock key 120 may be disposed. Stated alternatively, while in the locked position, the lock key 120 engages the radial groove 124 of the ram 108 and prevents axial motion of the ram 108.
- the rotor 116 is disposed coaxially with the ram 108, and includes a bore 128 having an inner radius that interfaces with a crown 132 of the lock key 120.
- a lock ring 136 is fixed to the housing 104 and includes grooves 138 that guide the lock keys 120 and restrict their displacement to radial motion, as will be described in further detail below.
- an inside radius of the bore 128 will be approximately equal to an outside radius of the crown 132 when the lock key 120 is engaged with the radial groove 124. It will be appreciated that in response to the rotor 116 being disposed in the locked position of Figs.
- the bore 128 interfaces with the crown 132 of the lock key 120 and the lock key 120 is restrained from any outward radial motion (such as in direction Y in Fig. 2 , for example). Therefore, the lock key 120 engages and is retained or held within, the groove 124 of the ram 108 by the rotor 116.
- the ram 108 in response to the engagement and retention of the lock key 120 within the groove 124, the ram 108 is axially locked. That is, motion of the ram 108, in response to any externally applied tension in the X (axial) direction to the right of Fig. 2 , is prevented.
- the applied load In response to an external tension load applied to the ram 108 (attempting to pull thereupon without unlocking it first), the applied load is reacted through the ram 108, and is transferred to the lock keys 120 via groove 124.
- the lock keys 120 then react the applied tension load into the lock ring 136, which is a fixed element, and which, in turn, reacts the load into the housing 104. Therefore, the ram 108 remains securely locked within the housing 104 in response to application of external loading to the ram 108.
- Figs. 4 and 5 depict cross section views of the actuator 100 with the rotor 116 in the unlocked position.
- an example rotor 116 includes three axial grooves 140, or recesses into which the crown 132 of each lock key 120 may be disposed, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 . Disposal of the rotor 116 in the unlocked position renders it capable of receiving the lock keys 120 within the grooves 140 and thereby defines an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the ram 108 is capable of axial extension from the retracted position, out of the housing 104, such as to the right of Fig 4 , for example.
- an aft edge (toward the left of Fig. 4 ) of the radial groove 124 includes an axially angled surface 144 and an aft edge of the lock key 120 includes a corresponding axially angled surface 148 that is complementary to the surface 144 of the radial groove 124.
- the stationary lock ring 136 includes an opening 152 having two guidance surfaces 156 that engage with two surfaces 160 of the lock key 120.
- the guidance surfaces 156 ( Figure 5 ) of the lock ring 136 are designed with appropriate clearances between the surfaces 156, 160 such that motion of the lock key 120 is constrained to the radial direction. In response to the rotor 116 being in the unlocked position, the lock keys 120 are free to disengage from the groove 124.
- An embodiment of the disclosure may include a lock follower 162 that is of the same diameter of the ram 108 and is biased toward the direction of ram 108 extension by a spring 164.
- the lock follower 162 follows the ram 108 as it initially extends and radially retains the lock keys 120 in the withdrawn position as shown. This prevents the lock keys 120 from falling radially inward during or after extension of the ram 108, such as may otherwise occur in response to ambient vibration, for example.
- the rotor 116 may be controlled and activated via a linear piston, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, for example.
- a linear piston such as a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, for example.
- Figs. 6 and 7 depict cross section views of an actuator 100 having a piston and corresponding to the rotor 116 being in a locked and unlocked state, respectively.
- a locking piston 168 is coupled to the rotor 116 via a pin 170.
- a nested spring arrangement 172 biases the locking piston 168 towards the right of Fig. 6 , which corresponds to the locked position of the rotor 116. This spring force bias assures that the lock rotor 116 remains in the locked position in the absence of any external force, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, as will be described in further detail below.
- An embodiment may also include a status indicator 176 to provide remote indication whether the rotor 116 is in the locked or unlocked position.
- the status indicator includes a switch 180, a target 184, and a lock arm 188.
- the lock arm 188 is coupled to the piston 168 and is responsive to piston 168 motion about pivot 192. As depicted in Fig. 6 , in response to the rotor 116 being in the locked position, the lock arm 188 is positioned such that target 184 contacts switch 180, thus indicating that the rotor 116 is in the locked position.
- An embodiment may include an additional interface, also known as a "catch" between the rotor 116 and the piston 168.
- An example of the catch may include a shoulder 193 on the piston 168 designed to interface with a groove 195 of the rotor 116. The catch is designed such that should the pin 170 break, the rotor 116 cannot independently rotate or "walk away", from the locked position to the unlocked position due to vibration. In the absence of such a catch, a failure of the pin 170 (such as a broken pin, for example) could allow the switch 180 to indicate that the rotor 116 is in a locked position although it is actually in the unlocked position.
- Fig. 7 depicts the piston 168, and thus the rotor 116, in the unlocked position.
- the piston 168 has shifted to the left, therefore causing the rotor 116, via pin 170, to rotate clockwise to the unlocked position.
- Motion of the piston 168 from the locked position to the unlocked position causes the lock arm 188 to rotate counterclockwise about pivot 192 and therefore disengage the target 184 from the switch 180.
- the switch 180 thereby indicates that the rotor 116 is in the unlocked position.
- the piston 168 may include two dynamic seals 196, 200 ( Fig. 7 ). Displacement from the locked position to the unlocked position may be accomplished via application of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure between the two dynamic seals 196, 200. If dynamic seal 196 is designed larger than dynamic seal 200, as depicted, the differential area between the seals 196, 200 creates a force that causes the piston to move to the left. This movement of the piston 168 compresses the spring arrangement 172 ( Fig. 6 ), and the pin 170 that engages the rotor 116 moves to the left, thus turning the rotor 116 clockwise to the unlocked position.
- the ram 108 may be actuated via pressure, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, for example.
- the ram 108 may include a dynamic seal 204, and the actuator 100 may include appropriate controls to apply pressure to either an extend side 208 or a retract side 212 (shown to the left and right, respectively, of Figs. 2 and 4 ) of the dynamic seal 204.
- the extend side 208 of the ram 108 dynamic seal 204 may share porting with the lock piston 168, such that application of pressure to the extend side 208 simultaneously applies pressure between the dynamic seals 196, 200 of the lock piston 168. In this manner, unlocking and extension of the ram 108 may be accomplished via a single application of pressure.
- the lock piston 168 in response to application of pressure to the extend side 208 of the ram 108 dynamic seal 204, the lock piston 168 will be displaced from the locked position (to which it is biased by spring arrangement 172) to the unlocked position, thereby rotating the rotor 116 to the unlocked position.
- a portion of the axial force upon the ram 108, exerted by application of pressure to the extend side 208 of the ram 108, will be resolved by the angled surfaces 144, 148 to exert an outward radial force upon the lock keys 120, which will be displaced into the axial grooves 140 of the rotor bore 128, thereby allowing displacement of the ram 108 from the retracted position within housing 104.
- the lock follower 162 follows the ram 108, and thereby holds the lock keys 120 in their withdrawn position within the grooves 140.
- the extend side 208 of the dynamic seal 204 is depressurized, and pressure is applied to the retract side 212 of the dynamic seal 204. Therefore, pressure is present on the right side of the dynamic seal 204.
- the ram 108 then retracts and pushes the lock follower 162 out of the way (to the left of Figs. 2 and 4 ). With the lock follower out of the way and the ram 108 in the retracted position, the lock keys 120 are aligned with the radial groove 124 in the ram 108.
- the spring arrangement 172 acts to push the lock piston 168 to the right (see Figs.
- the actuator 100 may include a synchronization arrangement such as a ball nut 216, a ball screw 220, a worm gear 224, and a worm 228 having a coupling 232, for example.
- the ball nut 216 is coupled to, or fixed within the ram 108, such that it travels axially with the ram 108 as it either extends or retracts.
- the ball nut 216 is also engaged with the ball screw 220 in a fashion that would readily be appreciated by one of skill in the art, such the ball screw 220 is responsive to axial motion of the ball nut 216 to rotate abut the center axis X.
- the worm gear 224 is fixed to the ball screw 220 and therefore rotates as the ball screw 220 rotates (an arrangement known in the art as a "back-driving worm gear”).
- the worm gear 224 engages a worm 228 in a fashion that would readily be appreciated by one of skill in the art and is responsive to rotation of the worm gear 224 to rotate about the center of the worm 228.
- the coupling 232 (depicted in Fig 2 as a star configuration) provides an external link of the depicted actuator 100 to similar couplings of other actuators, thereby providing a mechanical, synchronizing link therebetween.
- Fig. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a mechanical driven actuator 101.
- the mechanical actuator 101 includes an epicyclic gear arrangement 236 having a sun gear 240, planet gear 244, ring gear 248, and a planet carrier 252.
- the planet gear 244 is engaged with both the sun gear 240 and the ring gear 248. Because general operation of an epicyclic gear arrangement is understood within the art, a full description is not necessary here.
- the sun gear 240 of the planetary gear arrangement 236 may provide the mechanical drive input to the gear arrangement 236 and the planet carrier 252 couples the ball screw 220 to the planet gear 244 to provide the energy to extend and retract the ram 108.
- An outer diameter of the ring gear 248 (annulus) of the planetary gear arrangement 236 may be nested in a bearing race and directly attached to the rotor 116 via a rotor extension 256. Therefore, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the ball screw 220 serves as the driver, and the ram 108 is responsive to the rotation of the ball screw 220 to move axially.
- rotation of the rotor 116 to move to the unlocked position may be provided by the planetary gear assembly 236 initially operating in what is known as a "Star" mode, during a lost motion stroke.
- the rotor extension 256 (which is coupled to ring gear 248) acts as a key that engages a radial slot 260 that is equivalent to (and thereby defines) the rotation of the rotor 116 from the locked to unlocked position.
- a torsion spring (analogous to spring assembly 172) may be included that directly biases the rotor 116 to the locked position.
- the planetary gear arrangement 236 changes from star mode (fixed planet carrier 252, free sun 240 and free annulus 248) to planetary mode (fixed annulus 248, free sun 240 and free planet carrier 252).
- star mode fixed planet carrier 252, free sun 240 and free annulus 248
- planetary mode fixed annulus 248, free sun 240 and free planet carrier 252
- the energy input to the sun gear 240 is used to cause the planet gear 244 to revolve around the sun gear 240, and drive the planet carrier 252, which, in turn drives the ball screw 220 and thereby, via ball nut 216, causes the ram 108 to move axially.
- the lock follower 162 In response to the ram 108 coming to the fully retracted position, the lock follower 162 is pushed out of the way (axially) by the ram 108 and the lock keys 120 are aligned with the radial groove 124 in the ram 108. In response to the ram 108 being fully retracted, and thus no longer capable of any further axial motion, the ball screw 220 (and thus planet carrier 252) is locked, and the planetary gear arrangement 236 transitions from planetary mode to star mode.
- Fig. 10 depicts a cross section view of the planetary arrangement 236 shown in Fig 8 including the sun gear 240, planet gear 244, ring gear 248, and planet carrier 252.
- Fig 11 depicts a cross section view of the planetary arrangement 236 shown in Fig 8 including the ring gear 248, planet carrier 252, and rotor extension 256.
- Fig. 12 depicts a cross section view of the rotor 116 with lock keys 120 in the locked position.
- Fig. 13 depicts a flowchart of exemplary process steps of a method for locking a linear output member of a linear actuator, such as locking the ram 108 in a retracted position within the actuator 100, for example.
- Process step 300 includes rotating the rotor 116, disposed within the rotary lock assembly 112 of the actuator 100 to a first, locked rotor position, the rotary lock assembly 112 being constrained from axial motion within the housing 104 of the actuator 100.
- process step 310 includes shifting the lock key 120 within the rotary lock assembly 112 to engage the radial groove 124 of the ram 108. It will be further appreciated that in response to rotating the rotor 116 to the first, locked rotor position, the lock key 120 is restrained within the radial groove 124 of the ram 108 by the inner radius of the rotor bore 128. The process may further include rotating the rotor 116 to the second, unlocked rotor position, and thereby providing the clearance and degree of freedom for the lock keys 120 to shift radially outward into the axial groove 140, allowing the lock keys to disengage from the radial groove 124.
- some embodiments of the present disclosure may include advantages such as: an ability to provide robust, direct locking of the ram using a single piece housing having reduced overall size in at least one of length and diameter as well as mass; an ability to initiate locking and release of a linear ram without a separate electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic and/or mechanical locking or unlocking command or signal; and, a simple locked load path to provide enhanced reliability.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Description
- The present disclosure relates generally to linear actuators. More particularly, aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to linear actuators that can be locked in position.
- Conventional linear actuators have output rams that may be driven from a rotary source or with pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. The actuator may have a lock mechanism to retain the output in a fixed position. Known lock mechanisms, such as taught by
Tootle in US 4,463,661 , engage an actuator synchronization system, and therefore provide only indirect locking to the output ram. Direct locking mechanisms that employ a linear actuator have been developed and typically include a multi-piece housing with increased size and mass. Such actuators include tine locks, an example of which is disclosed byCarlin in US 5,267,760 . While some tine lock arrangements may allow for a single-piece housing actuator, they have the disadvantage of using flexing lock element with consequential fatigue considerations. Locking Actuators can be operated by a rotary source rather than hydraulically or pneumatically. Present rotary source operated actuators, such as disclosed byGrimm in US 4,603,594 , have the disadvantage of requiring an electrically operated solenoid mechanism (or other mechanical input separate from the rotary source) to unlock the actuator lock before motion of the ram can commence. Ball Lock mechanisms such as taught bySue in US 4,703,683 ,Deutch in US 4,240,332 ,Della Rocca in US 4,742,758 andHata in US 4,785,718 have the disadvantage of a low external load carrying capability of the ram because of the point contact stresses imposed on the lock balls. Hata has the disadvantage of a low load carrying capability due to point contact between lock balls (38) and the axial faces of the channel (37) that is formed on the external surface of pushrod (24). Linear motion lock sleeve and key arrangements, such as disclosed by Kopecek (the inventor of the present disclosure) in UK patentGB2435877 - As described herein, the exemplary embodiments overcome one or more of the above or other disadvantages known in the art.
- One aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a linear actuator according to claim 1 herein.
- This and other aspects and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
- In the drawings:
-
Figure 1 depicts a front perspective view of a linear actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 2 depicts a front perspective cross section view of a linear actuator in a locked position; -
Figure 3 depicts a cross section view of the linear actuator inFigure 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 4 depicts a front perspective cross section view of a linear actuator in an unlocked position; -
Figure 5 depicts a cross section view of the linear actuator inFigure 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 6 depicts a cross section view of a linear actuator in a locked position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 7 depicts a cross section view of a linear actuator in an unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 8 depicts a cross section view of a linear actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 9 depicts a cross section view of the linear actuator inFigure 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 10 depicts a cross section view of the linear actuator inFigure 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 11 depicts a cross section view of the linear actuator inFigure 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
Figure 12 depicts a cross section view of the linear actuator inFigure 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
Figure 13 depicts a flowchart of process steps for locking a ram of a linear actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
Fig. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of alinear actuator 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Theactuator 100 has anouter housing 104 and an output ram 108 (also herein referred to as a "linear output member").Figure 2 illustrates theoutput ram 108, which is capable of axial motion (depicted by direction arrow X) into and out of thehousing 104, such as from a retracted position as shown inFig. 1 . As a non-limiting example, theram 108 may be attached to a door, panel, or engine thrust reverser, while thehousing 104 is attached to a frame of a larger object, such as, but not limited to, an airplane. Movement of theram 108 thereby determines position of the door, panel, or thrust reverser or other attaching surface. When theram 108 is retracted into thehousing 104, it may be locked to prevent inadvertent or unintended extension of theram 108 from thehousing 104. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a rotary lock mechanism for thelinear actuator 100.Figure 2 illustrates arotary lock mechanism 112 includes axially fixed lock keys that are displaced radially by grooves in thelock rotor 116 to engage a radial groove in theoutput ram 108, thereby locking and preventing axial motion of theram 108 from its retracted position. ALock Ring 136 with internal grooves provides radial guidance for the lock keys. An unlocked position of the rotor allows the keys to disengage from the radial groove, while a locked position of the rotor engages and restrains the keys within the groove. -
Figs. 2 and3 depict cross section views of theactuator 100 with theram 108 retained within thehousing 104 in a locked position via arotary lock assembly 112. In one embodiment, therotary lock assembly 112 includes arotor 116 and a lock key 120 (also herein referred to as a "lock"). Theram 108 includes aradial groove 124, into whichlock key 120 may be disposed. Stated alternatively, while in the locked position, thelock key 120 engages theradial groove 124 of theram 108 and prevents axial motion of theram 108. - As shown in
Figs. 2 and3 , therotor 116 is disposed coaxially with theram 108, and includes abore 128 having an inner radius that interfaces with acrown 132 of thelock key 120. Alock ring 136 is fixed to thehousing 104 and includesgrooves 138 that guide thelock keys 120 and restrict their displacement to radial motion, as will be described in further detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, an inside radius of thebore 128 will be approximately equal to an outside radius of thecrown 132 when thelock key 120 is engaged with theradial groove 124. It will be appreciated that in response to therotor 116 being disposed in the locked position ofFigs. 2 and3 , thebore 128 interfaces with thecrown 132 of thelock key 120 and thelock key 120 is restrained from any outward radial motion (such as in direction Y inFig. 2 , for example). Therefore, thelock key 120 engages and is retained or held within, thegroove 124 of theram 108 by therotor 116. - With reference to
Fig. 2 , in response to the engagement and retention of thelock key 120 within thegroove 124, theram 108 is axially locked. That is, motion of theram 108, in response to any externally applied tension in the X (axial) direction to the right ofFig. 2 , is prevented. In response to an external tension load applied to the ram 108 (attempting to pull thereupon without unlocking it first), the applied load is reacted through theram 108, and is transferred to thelock keys 120 viagroove 124. Thelock keys 120 then react the applied tension load into thelock ring 136, which is a fixed element, and which, in turn, reacts the load into thehousing 104. Therefore, theram 108 remains securely locked within thehousing 104 in response to application of external loading to theram 108. -
Figs. 4 and5 depict cross section views of theactuator 100 with therotor 116 in the unlocked position. Referring toFigures 3 ,4 , and5 , anexample rotor 116 includes threeaxial grooves 140, or recesses into which thecrown 132 of eachlock key 120 may be disposed, as illustrated inFigs. 4 and5 . Disposal of therotor 116 in the unlocked position renders it capable of receiving thelock keys 120 within thegrooves 140 and thereby defines an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, theram 108 is capable of axial extension from the retracted position, out of thehousing 104, such as to the right ofFig 4 , for example. - In an embodiment, an aft edge (toward the left of
Fig. 4 ) of theradial groove 124 includes an axiallyangled surface 144 and an aft edge of thelock key 120 includes a corresponding axially angledsurface 148 that is complementary to thesurface 144 of theradial groove 124. Thestationary lock ring 136 includes anopening 152 having twoguidance surfaces 156 that engage with twosurfaces 160 of thelock key 120. The guidance surfaces 156 (Figure 5 ) of thelock ring 136 are designed with appropriate clearances between thesurfaces lock key 120 is constrained to the radial direction. In response to therotor 116 being in the unlocked position, thelock keys 120 are free to disengage from thegroove 124. Motion ofram 108 in the axial direction, extending outward from the retracted position results in engagement of theangled surface 144 of theram 108 with theangled surface 148 of the lock key. Because of the geometry of theangled surfaces ram 108 is resolved to a component that is directed radially outward upon thelock keys 120. In response to the radially outward directed force, and the constraint of the guidance surfaces 156, thelock keys 120 withdraw, or move radially outwards, to the unlocked position, into thegrooves 140 of therotor 116, as may best be seen inFig. 5 . - An embodiment of the disclosure may include a
lock follower 162 that is of the same diameter of theram 108 and is biased toward the direction ofram 108 extension by aspring 164. Thelock follower 162 follows theram 108 as it initially extends and radially retains thelock keys 120 in the withdrawn position as shown. This prevents thelock keys 120 from falling radially inward during or after extension of theram 108, such as may otherwise occur in response to ambient vibration, for example. - In one embodiment, the
rotor 116 may be controlled and activated via a linear piston, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, for example.Figs. 6 and7 depict cross section views of anactuator 100 having a piston and corresponding to therotor 116 being in a locked and unlocked state, respectively. - Referring to
Fig. 6 , alocking piston 168 is coupled to therotor 116 via apin 170. In one embodiment, a nestedspring arrangement 172 biases thelocking piston 168 towards the right ofFig. 6 , which corresponds to the locked position of therotor 116. This spring force bias assures that thelock rotor 116 remains in the locked position in the absence of any external force, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, as will be described in further detail below. - An embodiment may also include a
status indicator 176 to provide remote indication whether therotor 116 is in the locked or unlocked position. The status indicator includes aswitch 180, atarget 184, and alock arm 188. Thelock arm 188 is coupled to thepiston 168 and is responsive topiston 168 motion aboutpivot 192. As depicted inFig. 6 , in response to therotor 116 being in the locked position, thelock arm 188 is positioned such thattarget 184 contacts switch 180, thus indicating that therotor 116 is in the locked position. - An embodiment may include an additional interface, also known as a "catch" between the
rotor 116 and thepiston 168. An example of the catch may include ashoulder 193 on thepiston 168 designed to interface with agroove 195 of therotor 116. The catch is designed such that should thepin 170 break, therotor 116 cannot independently rotate or "walk away", from the locked position to the unlocked position due to vibration. In the absence of such a catch, a failure of the pin 170 (such as a broken pin, for example) could allow theswitch 180 to indicate that therotor 116 is in a locked position although it is actually in the unlocked position. -
Fig. 7 depicts thepiston 168, and thus therotor 116, in the unlocked position. With reference back toFig. 6 , it will be appreciated that thepiston 168 has shifted to the left, therefore causing therotor 116, viapin 170, to rotate clockwise to the unlocked position. Motion of thepiston 168 from the locked position to the unlocked position causes thelock arm 188 to rotate counterclockwise aboutpivot 192 and therefore disengage thetarget 184 from theswitch 180. Theswitch 180 thereby indicates that therotor 116 is in the unlocked position. - In an embodiment, the
piston 168 may include twodynamic seals 196, 200 (Fig. 7 ). Displacement from the locked position to the unlocked position may be accomplished via application of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure between the twodynamic seals dynamic seal 196 is designed larger thandynamic seal 200, as depicted, the differential area between theseals piston 168 compresses the spring arrangement 172 (Fig. 6 ), and thepin 170 that engages therotor 116 moves to the left, thus turning therotor 116 clockwise to the unlocked position. - In an embodiment, the
ram 108 may be actuated via pressure, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, for example. With reference back toFigs. 2 and4 , theram 108 may include adynamic seal 204, and theactuator 100 may include appropriate controls to apply pressure to either an extendside 208 or a retract side 212 (shown to the left and right, respectively, ofFigs. 2 and4 ) of thedynamic seal 204. The extendside 208 of theram 108dynamic seal 204 may share porting with thelock piston 168, such that application of pressure to the extendside 208 simultaneously applies pressure between thedynamic seals lock piston 168. In this manner, unlocking and extension of theram 108 may be accomplished via a single application of pressure. For example, in response to application of pressure to the extendside 208 of theram 108dynamic seal 204, thelock piston 168 will be displaced from the locked position (to which it is biased by spring arrangement 172) to the unlocked position, thereby rotating therotor 116 to the unlocked position. A portion of the axial force upon theram 108, exerted by application of pressure to the extendside 208 of theram 108, will be resolved by theangled surfaces lock keys 120, which will be displaced into theaxial grooves 140 of the rotor bore 128, thereby allowing displacement of theram 108 from the retracted position withinhousing 104. Thelock follower 162 follows theram 108, and thereby holds thelock keys 120 in their withdrawn position within thegrooves 140. - Following completion of the extension cycle, to retract the
ram 108 andre-lock rotor 116, the extendside 208 of thedynamic seal 204 is depressurized, and pressure is applied to the retractside 212 of thedynamic seal 204. Therefore, pressure is present on the right side of thedynamic seal 204. Theram 108 then retracts and pushes thelock follower 162 out of the way (to the left ofFigs. 2 and4 ). With the lock follower out of the way and theram 108 in the retracted position, thelock keys 120 are aligned with theradial groove 124 in theram 108. Thespring arrangement 172 acts to push thelock piston 168 to the right (seeFigs. 6 and7 ), causing therotor 116 to rotate counterclockwise. Radially angledsurfaces 213 of thegroove 140 interface with the radially angled surfaces 215 (seeFig. 3 ) of thelock keys 120 proximate thecrown 132 of thelock keys 120 to resolve a portion of the rotary force into inwardly directed radial force and shift, or displace thelock keys 120 into theradial groove 124 of theram 108. Therotor 116 continues rotating counterclockwise until the inner radius of rotor bore 128 rotates over thecrown 132 of the lock keys, thus causing theram 108 to be securely retained in the locked position. - In an embodiment, it may be desirable to synchronize the motion of
multiple actuators 100. With reference toFig. 2 , theactuator 100 may include a synchronization arrangement such as aball nut 216, aball screw 220, aworm gear 224, and aworm 228 having acoupling 232, for example. Theball nut 216 is coupled to, or fixed within theram 108, such that it travels axially with theram 108 as it either extends or retracts. Theball nut 216 is also engaged with theball screw 220 in a fashion that would readily be appreciated by one of skill in the art, such theball screw 220 is responsive to axial motion of theball nut 216 to rotate abut the center axis X. Theworm gear 224 is fixed to theball screw 220 and therefore rotates as theball screw 220 rotates (an arrangement known in the art as a "back-driving worm gear"). Theworm gear 224 engages aworm 228 in a fashion that would readily be appreciated by one of skill in the art and is responsive to rotation of theworm gear 224 to rotate about the center of theworm 228. The coupling 232 (depicted inFig 2 as a star configuration) provides an external link of the depictedactuator 100 to similar couplings of other actuators, thereby providing a mechanical, synchronizing link therebetween. - While embodiments of the disclosure have been depicted and described having pneumatic or hydraulic activation of the
ram 108 and therotor 116, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure is not so limited, and may include other means ofram 108 androtor 116 activation. For example, the pressurized system used to drive theram 108 and thelocking piston 168 may be replaced with a planetary (epicyclic) gear arrangement coupled to theball screw 220 to drive theram 108, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. -
Fig. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a mechanical drivenactuator 101. Themechanical actuator 101 includes anepicyclic gear arrangement 236 having asun gear 240,planet gear 244,ring gear 248, and aplanet carrier 252. Theplanet gear 244 is engaged with both thesun gear 240 and thering gear 248. Because general operation of an epicyclic gear arrangement is understood within the art, a full description is not necessary here. - The
sun gear 240 of theplanetary gear arrangement 236 may provide the mechanical drive input to thegear arrangement 236 and theplanet carrier 252 couples theball screw 220 to theplanet gear 244 to provide the energy to extend and retract theram 108. An outer diameter of the ring gear 248 (annulus) of theplanetary gear arrangement 236 may be nested in a bearing race and directly attached to therotor 116 via arotor extension 256. Therefore, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment, theball screw 220 serves as the driver, and theram 108 is responsive to the rotation of theball screw 220 to move axially. - In an exemplary embodiment, rotation of the
rotor 116 to move to the unlocked position, may be provided by theplanetary gear assembly 236 initially operating in what is known as a "Star" mode, during a lost motion stroke. With reference toFig 10 , the rotor extension 256 (which is coupled to ring gear 248) acts as a key that engages aradial slot 260 that is equivalent to (and thereby defines) the rotation of therotor 116 from the locked to unlocked position. In an embodiment, a torsion spring (analogous to spring assembly 172) may be included that directly biases therotor 116 to the locked position. - Referring to
Fig. 8 and9 together, to extend theram 108, energy is input (such as via a motor, for example) to thesun gear 240. Because theram 108 is constrained from any axial motion by thelock keys 120, theball screw 220 cannot turn and advance theram 108. Therefore, thecarrier 252 is locked until the lost motion unlocks thelock keys 120. Therefore, the only response to the rotation input by thesun gear 240 is to rotate thering gear 248, which is coupled to therotor 116. The unlocking of thelock keys 120 in response torotor 116 rotation mechanically coincides with therotor extension 256 bottoming out in theslot 260 of thehousing 104. Bottoming out of theextension 256 in theslot 260, and unlocking thelock keys 120, thereby results in locking thering gear 248 and freeing theplanet carrier 252 to allow theplanet gear 244 to revolve around thesun gear 240. Thus, theplanetary gear arrangement 236 changes from star mode (fixedplanet carrier 252,free sun 240 and free annulus 248) to planetary mode (fixedannulus 248,free sun 240 and free planet carrier 252). In the planetary mode, the energy input to thesun gear 240 is used to cause theplanet gear 244 to revolve around thesun gear 240, and drive theplanet carrier 252, which, in turn drives theball screw 220 and thereby, viaball nut 216, causes theram 108 to move axially. - To retract the
ram 108 and rotate therotor 116 to the locked position, this process is reversed. The motor driving thesun gear 240 reverses direction. Thering gear 248 reverses the load direction and attempts to rotate therotor 116 from the unlocked position to the locked position. However, thelock keys 120 are constrained in the withdrawn position within thegrooves 140 of therotor 116 by thelock follower 162, and thereby prevent any rotation of therotor 116. This effectively locks the ring gear 248 (via rotor extensions 256), and defines the planetary mode. Therefore, the input rotation of thesun gear 240 is transferred to thecarrier 252, which causes theball screw 220 to rotate, and retract theram 108. - In response to the
ram 108 coming to the fully retracted position, thelock follower 162 is pushed out of the way (axially) by theram 108 and thelock keys 120 are aligned with theradial groove 124 in theram 108. In response to theram 108 being fully retracted, and thus no longer capable of any further axial motion, the ball screw 220 (and thus planet carrier 252) is locked, and theplanetary gear arrangement 236 transitions from planetary mode to star mode. This now allows therotor 116 to rotate from the unlocked to the locked position, pushing thelock keys 120 radially inward into thegroove 124 via the interfacing surfaces 213, 215 of therotor 216 groove and lockcrowns 132, respectively, thus re-locking theram 108 as described herein. - It will be appreciated that the output rotation direction of the
ring gear 248 androtor 116 during the lost motion stroke (star mode) is opposite of that of theplanet carrier 252 andball screw 220 during extension of the ram 108 (planetary mode). This is a fundamental characteristic of epicyclic gears operated in both Star and Planetary modes. This lost motion feature results in a design that is self-locking and self-unlocking without any additional commands or signals required in addition to the drive torque. - To increase clarity, additional cross sectional figures of the
actuator 101 as described herein and shown inFig. 8 are provided.Fig. 10 depicts a cross section view of theplanetary arrangement 236 shown inFig 8 including thesun gear 240,planet gear 244,ring gear 248, andplanet carrier 252.Fig 11 depicts a cross section view of theplanetary arrangement 236 shown inFig 8 including thering gear 248,planet carrier 252, androtor extension 256.Fig. 12 depicts a cross section view of therotor 116 withlock keys 120 in the locked position. - In view of the foregoing,
Fig. 13 depicts a flowchart of exemplary process steps of a method for locking a linear output member of a linear actuator, such as locking theram 108 in a retracted position within theactuator 100, for example.Process step 300 includes rotating therotor 116, disposed within therotary lock assembly 112 of theactuator 100 to a first, locked rotor position, therotary lock assembly 112 being constrained from axial motion within thehousing 104 of theactuator 100. - In response to rotating the
rotor 116 to the first, locked position,process step 310 includes shifting thelock key 120 within therotary lock assembly 112 to engage theradial groove 124 of theram 108. It will be further appreciated that in response to rotating therotor 116 to the first, locked rotor position, thelock key 120 is restrained within theradial groove 124 of theram 108 by the inner radius of the rotor bore 128. The process may further include rotating therotor 116 to the second, unlocked rotor position, and thereby providing the clearance and degree of freedom for thelock keys 120 to shift radially outward into theaxial groove 140, allowing the lock keys to disengage from theradial groove 124. Because of the interfacing surfaces 144, 148, axial motion of theram 108 from the retracted position results in resolving some axial force into a radial force component to disengage thelock keys 120 from the radial groove of theram 108. - As disclosed, some embodiments of the present disclosure may include advantages such as: an ability to provide robust, direct locking of the ram using a single piece housing having reduced overall size in at least one of length and diameter as well as mass; an ability to initiate locking and release of a linear ram without a separate electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic and/or mechanical locking or unlocking command or signal; and, a simple locked load path to provide enhanced reliability.
- While embodiments of the disclosure have been described having a rotor with three axial grooves, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure is not so limited, and is contemplated to include rotors having other numbers of grooves that may include helical grooves, such as one, two, four, or more grooves, for example. Further, while embodiments of the disclosure have been described controlling the rotor via a linear piston, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure is not so limited, and is contemplated to include pistons that may be controlled via alternate means, such as linear motors or solenoids, for example. Additionally, while embodiments of the disclosure have been described with a coupling having a star configuration, The coupling 232 (depicted in
Fig 2 as a star configuration) it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure is not so limited, and is contemplated to include other means of torque transmission geometry, such as square, hexagonal, octagonal, TORX, etc, for example.
Claims (11)
- A linear actuator (100) comprising:a housing (104),a linear output member (108) axially movable from a retracted position within the housing, the linear output member comprising a radial groove (124); anda rotary lock assembly (112) disposed within the housing (104) and constrained from axial motion, the rotary lock assembly comprising:
a rotor (116) disposed surrounding the radial groove (124) of the linear output member (108) in response to the linear output member being in the retracted position, the rotor being capable of rotation from a first rotor position to a second rotor position; anda lock (120) capable of radial displacement disposed within a bore (128) of the rotor (116), the lock responsive to rotation of the rotor (116) to the first rotor position to engage the radial groove (124) and prevent axial motion of the output member (108) from the retracted position and wherein, in response to rotation of the rotor to the second rotor position, the lock is free to disengage the radial groove;characterised in that:an aft edge of the radial groove (124) includes an axially angled surface (144); andan aft edge of the lock (120) includes an axially angled surface (148) complementary to the axially angled surface (144) of the aft edge of the radial groove (124). - The linear actuator (100) of claim 1, wherein:
the lock (120) is responsive to axial motion of the linear output member (108) from the retracted position to disengage from the radial groove (124). - The linear actuator (100) of claim 2, wherein:the linear actuator further comprises a lock ring (136) fixed to the housing (104), wherein the lock ring (136) includes an opening (152) having two guidance surfaces (156) that engage with two surfaces (160) of the lock (120), wherein clearances between the guidance surfaces (156) and the surfaces (160) of the lock (120) constrain motion of the lock (120) to the radial direction;motion of output member (108) in the axial direction, extending outward from the retracted position, results in engagement of the axially angled surface (144) of the output member (108) with the axially angled surface (148) of the lock (120); andthe complimentary angled surfaces (144, 148) of the radial groove (124) and the lock (120) have a geometry such that a portion of an axial force accompanying the axial motion of the linear output member (108) is resolved to a component directed radially outwardly upon the lock (120) such that the lock (120) is thereby moveable radially outwardly from the radial groove (124) into axial grooves (140) of the linear output member (108) when the rotor (116) is in the second rotor position.
- The linear actuator (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:
the housing (104) is a one-piece housing. - The linear actuator (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:the bore (128) of the rotor (116) includes an axial groove (140); andin response to the rotor (116) being rotated to the second rotor position, the axial groove (140) is disposed proximate the lock (120).
- The linear actuator (100) of claim 5, wherein:the axial groove (140) includes a radially angled surface; anda first end of the lock (120) includes a radially angled surface complementary to the radially angled surface of the axial groove (140).
- The linear actuator of any preceding claim, further comprising:
a locking piston (168) capable of linear motion from a first position to a second position, the locking piston (168) operatively connected to the rotor (116). - The linear actuator (100) of claim 7, wherein:the locking piston (168) is responsive to pressure to shift from the first position to the second position; andthe rotor (116) is responsive to shifting of the locking piston (168) to the second position to rotate to the second rotor position.
- The linear actuator (100) of claim 8, wherein the linear output member (108) is responsive to the application of pressure and rotation of the rotor (116) to the second rotor position to extend from the retracted position within the housing (104).
- The linear actuator (100) of either of claim 8 or 9, further comprising:a first locking piston dynamic seal (200); anda second locking piston dynamic seal (196), the second locking piston dynamic seal (196) larger than the first locking piston dynamic seal (200).
- The linear actuator (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising:
an epicyclic gear train (236) comprising:a sun gear (240);a planet gear (244) engaged with the sun gear in operative communication with the linear output member (108), the linear output member responsive to revolution of the planet gear around the sun gear to move axially; anda ring gear (248) engaged with the planet gear (244) and coupled to the rotor (116), the rotor capable of rotation between the first and second rotor positions as defined by a groove within the housing (104).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP19175541.2A EP3552956B1 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2011-12-21 | Method of operation of a linear actuator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/983,042 US8715132B2 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2010-12-31 | Linear actuator and method of operation thereof |
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EP19175541.2A Division EP3552956B1 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2011-12-21 | Method of operation of a linear actuator |
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EP2471709B1 true EP2471709B1 (en) | 2019-06-05 |
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EP19175541.2A Active EP3552956B1 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2011-12-21 | Method of operation of a linear actuator |
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2010
- 2010-12-31 US US12/983,042 patent/US8715132B2/en active Active
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2011
- 2011-12-15 CA CA2762397A patent/CA2762397C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-12-21 EP EP11194921.0A patent/EP2471709B1/en active Active
- 2011-12-21 EP EP19175541.2A patent/EP3552956B1/en active Active
- 2011-12-27 JP JP2011285342A patent/JP6006490B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-12-29 BR BRPI1105292-9A patent/BRPI1105292A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2011-12-30 CN CN201610328637.2A patent/CN106050802B/en active Active
- 2011-12-30 CN CN201110462731.4A patent/CN102611245B/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-02-06 US US14/174,229 patent/US8932176B2/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP6006490B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 |
CN106050802B (en) | 2018-06-12 |
US20120172174A1 (en) | 2012-07-05 |
BRPI1105292A2 (en) | 2013-07-16 |
CA2762397C (en) | 2018-04-17 |
CN102611245B (en) | 2016-06-29 |
EP2471709A1 (en) | 2012-07-04 |
CA2762397A1 (en) | 2012-06-30 |
EP3552956B1 (en) | 2020-10-14 |
US8932176B2 (en) | 2015-01-13 |
US20140216248A1 (en) | 2014-08-07 |
US8715132B2 (en) | 2014-05-06 |
CN106050802A (en) | 2016-10-26 |
EP3552956A1 (en) | 2019-10-16 |
JP2012141058A (en) | 2012-07-26 |
CN102611245A (en) | 2012-07-25 |
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